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German Bureaucracy Glossary

essential terms explained in plain language.

115 terms

Banking

Freistellungsauftrag

Tax exemption order — instruction to your bank to not withhold tax on investment income up to €1,000/year (2024).

Girokonto

Checking / current account — the standard bank account for daily transactions in Germany.

Haftpflichtversicherung

Liability insurance — covers damage you cause to third parties. Highly recommended in Germany.

Lastschrift

Direct debit — an automated payment where a creditor pulls money from your account with your pre-authorisation.

SCHUFA

Credit reference agency — Germany's main credit rating agency. A negative SCHUFA score can affect loans, rentals, and mobile contracts.